Causes of lupus

SLE is an autoimmune condition, which means it's caused by problems with the immune system. For reasons not yet understood, the immune system in people with SLE starts to attack and inflame healthy cells, tissue and organs.

As with other more common autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, it's thought a combination of genetic and environmental factors may be responsible for triggering SLE in certain people.

Most cases of SLE occur in women of childbearing age. The condition tends to be less common in white people of European origin and more common in those of African, Caribbean or Asian origin.